William "Bill" Paddock Hardy

William Paddock Hardy (Bill) was born on February 2, 1941 in Richmond, Virginia, and grew up on Southgate Drive in Blacksburg, Virginia. His father, Joe Hardy, served as Director of Student Housing at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Virginia Tech) and his mother, Jean Hardy, devoted herself to raising their family. Bill was the older brother of Robert Hardy.

A proud Hokie, Bill graduated from Virginia Tech in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and continued his studies in Engineering Mechanics the following year. Early in his career, he worked with the Naval Oceanographic Office, conducting survey missions across the South Pacific, the Atlantic, and Europe—using the stars, a slide rule, and cases of computer equipment. He later earned his MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business in 1971.

Professionally, Bill built a distinguished 25-year career in engineering, program management, and business development, serving in both government and private sector roles. His later years were marked by leadership positions managing major NASA facilities and logistics contracts, where he combined deep technical expertise with a calm, steady approach to management and problem-solving.

On November 29, 1969, Bill married the love of his life, Celeste Vellines, in Norfolk, Virginia. Together, they raised two sons—Kevin and Matthew—living in Atlanta, Virginia Beach, and Memphis before settling in Chantilly, Virginia, in 1981. Family was always at the center of Bill’s life. He took great pride in supporting his sons in their education and activities and later found great fun and joy as “G-Daddy” to six grandchildren: Hunter, Tyler, Ethan, Zachary, Madison, and Gretchen.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was an avid and accomplished woodworker, transforming a lifelong hobby into a true calling. Over more than four decades, he mastered the art of woodturning and freeform bandsaw work, creating bowls, boxes, and beautifully crafted spinning and weaving pieces inspired by Celeste’s love of fiber arts, all from native and exotic hardwoods. He exhibited and sold his work at major arts and crafts fairs across Virginia and Maryland and shared his passion by teaching woodturning through Fairfax County Adult Education—patiently guiding and inspiring others to experience the joy of creating with their hands.

Bill’s life was a reflection of craftsmanship—in his career, his artistry, his teaching, and most of all, in the love and care he invested in his family and friends.